Last Updated: May 12, 2026
Acacia Puddester, Registered Dietitian
License #: 1529
This policy outlines the use of electronic communication and virtual care services provided by Acacia Puddester, RD, MHSc. (“the Dietitian”) in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including Nova Scotia’s Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), professional standards, and best practices for virtual healthcare delivery.
The purpose of this policy is to inform clients about:
the nature of electronic communication and virtual care,
associated risks and limitations,
confidentiality and privacy protections,
appropriate use of communication methods, and
client responsibilities when engaging in virtual nutrition services.
Virtual nutrition counselling services may include:
nutrition assessment,
nutrition education and counselling,
goal setting and follow-up,
review of food records or laboratory information,
secure messaging,
appointment scheduling,
document sharing,
telehealth/video appointments, and
electronic delivery of resources or recommendations.
Services may be provided through:
secure video conferencing platforms,
secure electronic health record systems,
encrypted email,
secure client portals,
telephone communication, and/or
electronic intake and consent forms.
While reasonable efforts are made to protect the privacy and security of personal health information, electronic communication and virtual care involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:
unauthorized access to information,
interception or disclosure of communications,
technology failures or interruptions,
delays in transmission or response,
device or software vulnerabilities,
accidental sending of information to unintended recipients, and
limitations in assessing health concerns virtually.
The Dietitian uses reasonable safeguards and secure technologies to minimize these risks; however, absolute confidentiality and security cannot be guaranteed.
Personal health information is collected, used, stored, and disclosed in accordance with Nova Scotia’s Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and applicable professional obligations.
Client information may be collected and used for purposes including:
assessment and treatment,
communication regarding care,
scheduling and billing,
documentation and record-keeping,
continuity of care, and
other purposes directly related to nutrition services.
Information will only be disclosed with client consent or where required or permitted by law.
Reasonable safeguards are used to protect personal health information, including:
password-protected systems,
encrypted communication platforms where available,
secure storage practices,
restricted access to records, and
secure disposal of information when appropriate.
Electronic messaging and email may be used for:
appointment scheduling,
sharing educational materials,
administrative communication,
follow-up information, and
limited nutrition-related communication.
Electronic communication should not be used for:
emergencies,
urgent medical concerns,
crisis situations, or
time-sensitive medical issues.
Clients acknowledge that email and messaging may not be monitored continuously and responses may be delayed.
Typical response times are approximately: 36 hours.
Clients participating in virtual appointments acknowledge and agree that:
virtual care may not be appropriate for all concerns,
technical difficulties may interrupt appointments,
privacy cannot be fully guaranteed in all settings,
clients are responsible for ensuring they are in a reasonably private environment during appointments,
clients should use secure internet connections whenever possible, and
virtual care does not replace emergency medical services or physician care.
The Dietitian reserves the right to recommend in-person medical assessment, referral, or discontinuation of virtual services where clinically appropriate.
Clients agree to:
provide accurate and complete information,
maintain updated contact information,
protect the privacy of communications received,
use secure devices and passwords where possible,
notify the Dietitian if communication preferences change,
avoid using work or shared email accounts when possible,
attend appointments from a reasonably private location, and
seek emergency medical care when necessary.
Audio, video, or screen recording of virtual appointments by either party is prohibited unless explicitly discussed and consented to in advance by all participants.
Virtual nutrition counselling services are not appropriate for medical emergencies.
If a client experiences a medical emergency, they should:
call 911,
contact their physician,
go to the nearest emergency department, or
contact local emergency services immediately.
Clients may withdraw consent for electronic communication or virtual care at any time, subject to legal, ethical, and professional obligations.
Withdrawal of consent may limit the Dietitian’s ability to provide services effectively or continue virtual care.
Requests to withdraw consent should be made in writing where possible.
By participating in virtual nutrition services, the client acknowledges that they:
have read and understood this policy,
understand the risks and limitations of electronic communication and virtual care,
consent to the use of electronic communication for nutrition services,
understand that consent is ongoing and may be withdrawn at any time, and
have had the opportunity to ask questions.